Washington ran past the Ducks, in a 38-3 blowout. Here are my quick takeaways from the game…
1. Dante Pettis’ record breaking punt return changes game
It was early in the second quarter and Washington was struggling with their bitter rivals. The game was tied, 3-3. Like he has so many times in his UW career, Dante Pettis returned an Oregon punt, 64 yards, for his NCAA record breaking ninth punt return touchdown. The TD turned Husky Stadium in a frenzy and flipped the momentum of the game. The timing of the return could not have come at a better time for the Huskies.
2. Where wasn’t Ben Burr-Kirven?
Starting middle linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven was everywhere Saturday night. The junior finished with 10 tackles and a forced fumble despite limited snaps in the second half. For a guy that was projected as a second-string MLB, Ben Burr-Kirven has turned into one of UW’s best players on defense.
3. Wattenberg and Kirkland play strong on left side
Redshirt freshman Luke Wattenberg got the start at left tackle, while Andrew Kirkland moved over to left guard. Coach Petersen hinted that they wanted to get Wattenberg on the field more and it paid off. Jake Browning had plenty of time to throw against an Oregon team that led the conference coming into the game with 30 sacks. The Huskies line is finally starting to click and Wattenberg combined with Kirkland could be the right combination moving forward with the injury to Trey Adams. I haven’t looked at tape but it appeared they played pretty good together.
4. Huskies have found their identity
It took longer then expected, but the Huskies have found their identity. That is to run the ball. Coming into the game, the Ducks were allowing just 3.3 yards per carry with their talented front seven. But the Huskies had no problem moving the ball on the ground. Washington averaged 6.3 yards per rush and finished with 247 yards on the ground. With UW running the ball so well, it set up a few explosive plays, including Jake Browning’s 47-yard TD pass to Dante Pettis. If the Huskies can continue to run the ball like this, the passing game will continue to come around.
5. There’s been a turn in the rivalry
After losing 12 straight games to the Ducks, the Huskies have won two in a row by a combined score of 108-24. These wins will not negate the 12 years of dominance the Ducks had on the Huskies, but it will make Husky fans feel much better. Right now, there’s no debating which school has the better football program. Washington now leads the all-time series, 60-45-5.
